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RHHS scholars sign for college

Audrey Blaschke poses for a photo with family after signing her letter to attend Point University to play volleyball. Photo by Lainey Standiford.

Lainey Standiford

Updated:
Dec. 13, 2018, 10:57 a.m.

Jackson Finley and his coaches pose for a picture after he signed his letter to attend Georgia Tech to play baseball. Photo by Lainey Standiford.

Two Richmond Hill High School seniors signed their contracts today to play their respective sports at the college of choice. Senior Jackson Finley signed to play baseball at Georgia Tech, and senior Audrey Blaschke signed to play volleyball at Point University.

Volleyball coach Valerie Orloff described Blaschke as a “very versatile player,” having joined the team two years ago and became RHHS’s volleyball team setter. Blaschke led the volleyball team in assists, and served as captain during the 2018 season, Orloff continued.

“We are so excited to see her volleyball career continue at Point University,” Orloff said.

Blaschke thanked her parents and siblings for the countless support over the years to allow her to continue playing volleyball, carting her up and down the east coast, and sacrificing vacations and time to watch her play at long tournaments, she said.

“Volleyball has been one of the only things that’s gotten me through five schools in six years,” Blaschke said. “It’s always helped me have an output for my emotions and has always given me great new friends throughout the years.”

Blaschke is heading to Point University’s volleyball team as a defensive specialist.

Finley signed his talents to GT’s baseball team, according to his baseball coach Stacy Bennett.

“Jackson’s skill set speaks for itself,” Bennett said. “On account he’s going to one of the top 15-20 baseball programs in the nation at the highest level.”

In the past four years, Bennett said he has watched Finley develop into the player and person he is. He was coachable, he worked his tail off, and did what he could to make coaches proud, Bennett continued.

“That right there meant the most to us in the program,” Bennett said. “It’s even better when you have an athlete and others that can influence a program in such a way. You’ve been a role model to so many young players. Everyone has gotten to witness exactly what it takes to get to this

level—the hard work, the early mornings, the grades, everything—and I personally thank you for that.”

“I’ve loved the game and worked very hard,” Finley said. “I’m happy to see all my hard work and teammates have pushed me to get to this point.”

Finley thanked his family, coaches, previous coaches and friends as he signed his letter to a round of applause from those in attendance.